Meet our Team
Sasha Johnson, LPC-S, CEO and Founder of ULS
Non-judgment, morally supportive and passionate private practice that will help you to get through life’s struggles. You are the most important subject matter during all counseling sessions. I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who focuses on the person. Thinking outside of the box is of great importance to help all types of situations. Uplifting Lives and Services also helps interns and residents with supervision. We provide group therapy, substance abuse services and can connect you to other community service providers.
I have worked within the Criminal Justice and Mental Health fields for over 25 years. My educational background is a Bachelor’s degree from University of Baltimore in Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University in Public Administration and a Master’s degree from Capella University in Mental Health Counseling. My passion is helping in a holistic (mind, body and soul) manner. Past experiences range from creating a non-profit organization called Road to Redemption to assist re-entrants from prison and jail and working in a home to assist women with a history of substance abuse at the CEATTA’S house.
Retired January 1, 2024 from the state of Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. My twenty six years of working with the state included the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Virginia Department of Correctional Education.
Residents within ULS
Elizabeth Hall MA, NCC, CHT, QMHP A/C, Resident in Marriage and Family Counseling
Welcome to counseling. You made the wise decision to prioritize your mental health and well-being. Simply put, I believe that a person-centered approach is essential in any therapeutic relationship. I see you and respect your autonomy. Because we are not all the same, I will work collaboratively with you to discover the best method of treatment that will meet your specific needs. Working with others has taught me that treating difficulties from a holistic approach works best because it emphasizes the mind, body, and spirit connection.
My educational background has prepared me to deliver systemic and relational therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families. I have also acquired training as a transpersonal hypnotherapist, which I use with certain clients who have stress-related difficulties that require extra tools such as, guided imagery exercises to achieve deep relaxation and relieve stress.
Pennie Smith, MA Resident
Clinical Mental Health Counselor Intern Pennie M. Smith is committed to fostering your mental wellness that is sustainable in a safe and positive environment. Pennie takes pride in providing highly effective motivational guidance and the necessary tools and coping strategies to navigate through their unique struggles successfully.
With a broad range of experience in individual, family, couples, veterans, and children counseling, Pennie believes in providing empathy towards her clients and is committed to making sure that they feel heard, valued and understood. She is able to do this from 20 plus years of military leadership that embodied being an empathic listener and having outstanding people skills that allows her to build long-standing rapport with her clients.
Pennie comes with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and 20 plus years of active duty service as a retired U.S. Army Veteran. During her military service she is credited with work as a certified Master Resilience Trainer (MRT) and Mediator, the Equal Opportunity Advisor and Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) officer.
Michiah Watts, LPC-Resident and QMHP-A/C
Michiah Watts (she/her) is a native of Richmond, Virginia and a 2016 graduate of Richmond Public Schools. In 2019 Michiah earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and in 2020 she earned a Master of Business Administration, both from King University, Bristol TN. In 2023, Michiah obtained a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in pursuit of her Licensure as a Professional Counselor. Michiah has experience navigating insurance benefits as an enrolled agent, engaging in community based mental health services, and care coordination for persons diagnosed with substance use and/or mental health disorders. Recently, Michiah added coordinator for the Virginia Department of Health’s Trauma Healing Response Network to her professional experiences. She is passionate about serving, supporting, and creating a safe space for persons in need of mental health services and related resources. Michiah’s passion for community engagement and service extends to the West End Richmond Striders, a non profit youth track club where she volunteers as a track and field Coach and mentor. Also, she volunteers as an assistant Troop Leader for her former Girl Scout Troop. Michiah enjoys spending time with her Goddaughters, listening to music/podcasts, and going for long walks with Dallas, her Golden Doodle.
Jamica Allen, LPC-Resident and QMHP A/C
“It's up to you today to start making healthy choices. Not choices that are just healthy for your body, but healthy for your mind" ~Author Unknown
Recognizing that life often presents unforeseen challenges, counseling serves as a valuable resource for receiving non-judgmental, unconditional support, clinical expertise, and fostering positive transformation. My objective is to assist you in navigating through your difficulties and shedding the burden of detrimental thoughts and behaviors.
With a robust background spanning over eight years in the mental health field, complemented by a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology, I am dedicated to facilitating your journey toward well-being. Currently, I am in the process of obtaining licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) while working under the supervision of Sasha Davenport, LPC. I welcome you to reach out for further information or to arrange a counseling session at your convenience.
"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like couraqe. Truth and couraqe aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness" ~Brene' Brown
Businesses that partner with ULS.
McCall Counseling
Dr. Shedrick McCall, LPC-Resident
Dr. Shedrick McCall, LMHP-R is the Chair of the Psychology Department and Associate Tenured Professor of Psychology at Virginia State University and CEO/Owner McCall Professional Counseling services. Dr. McCall has a BA in Psychology, MA in Counseling and Ed.D in Counseling Psychology.
Dr. McCall has worked as a juvenile Psychologist, and Clinician for incarcerated youth and people with mental health illnesses. Dr. McCall has received many professional, athletic and academic awards. Dr. McCall has over 50 publications and he has co-authored a psychology textbook (Introduction to Psychology: Guiding young Minds). Dr. McCall has been in the education, corrections, and mental health field almost 30 years. Dr. McCall’s research interest are studying mental illnesses in the African American community and the school to prison pipeline controversy.
Tracy S. Moore, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker/Therapist
Tracy Moore, LCSW, CTP is a compassionate and experienced therapist specializing in trauma, parenting, substance use, and mood disorders. Integrating expressive arts techniques, including drawing, storytelling, and role-playing, to engage clients in therapy and facilitate emotional expression.She employs evidence-based therapeutic techniques and creates a safe and nonjudgmental space for her clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Tracy Moore's versatile skill set allows her to provide comprehensive and holistic support to individuals and families in need.Tracy is dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome their challenges and improve their overall well-being.
If you are searching for an empathetic and dedicated therapist, please contact me.
Office Staff
Heather Culbertson, Business Coordinator/Peer Recovery Specialist
Heather has various clinical experience, as she previously worked as a Registered Nurse. Now she currently specializes in substance abuse support as a Peer Recovery Specialist and conducts our Domestic Violence group. Heather has a strong determination to help the community in every way she can. She does this by creating and fine-tuning every detail of each of our groups to supply to each clients individual needs.
Taylor McMichael, Office Manager
Taylor makes sure that Uplifting Lives and Services, LLC meets the needs of each client and their better interest. She also brings ideas into the company that will prioritize lives of each client and coordinates an easier workflow.
Taylor graduated with a Bachelor’s in Professional Science and a minor in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University and also received her Master’s in Medical Sciences from Ponce Health Sciences University. Taylor has worked in the medical field in various positions since 2020 and continues to use her skills to assist in improving the health of the community.